Student Rights & Responsibilities
Copies of the College’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities, the Student Code of Conduct, and other policies and procedures relating to students are available in the Student Handbook and in the Dean of Student Development Office and the Student Life Office. Detailed information is available about rules and regulations, resolving complaints and grievances, and the consequences of rule violation.
Orientation @ BC3: Welcome Day
Welcome to BC3! New students at BC3 are introduced to the campus during an informative and fun Welcome Day event. Welcome Day is an important part of the Orientation @ BC3: Steps to Success process. Presented by the Office of Student Life, Welcome Day is held prior to the start of classes each fall and spring semester. Welcome Day includes information sessions, academic program meetings with faculty, campus tours, and opportunities to conduct important campus business. Involvement options such a clubs, organizations and athletics are also available.
Welcome Day programs are also held at the respective locations for students enrolled at BC3 @ Cranberry, BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing, BC3 @ LindenPointe and BC3 @ Brockway (except for Pre-Nursing students who attend Orientation at the Butler Main Campus).
Academic Center for Enrichment
The Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE), located on the first floor of the Student Success Center, is responsible for providing student-centered resources that serve BC3 students from preenrollment through graduation. The ACE is home to student support functions including Academic Advising, Career Services, Disabled Student Services, Placement Testing, Retention, Transfer Services, and Tutoring; and serves as a resource center for students experiencing personal or academic difficulties. The Dean of Student Development’s office, responsible for the resolution of student conduct issues, is also located within the Academic Center for Enrichment.
Academic Advising & Counseling
Academic advisors provide guidance to all students by supporting the exploration of academic and career goals; by helping students understand and navigate program requirements and college policies, and by supporting students in developing and realizing academic, career and transfer plans. Academic counselors are also available to assist students in navigating academic and personal challenges that are interfering with academic success. Advising staff are available through the Academic Center for Enrichment and at each campus location.
Academic Advising - New students are advised by professional academic advisors for the purpose of placement and creation of their first semester schedule of courses. Current students are assigned to departmental faculty advisors or professional academic advisors who can assess academic progress and recommend further course selections. Students have two options concerning academic advising. They may choose to:
- Meet with their advisor each semester to plan their course selection for the following semester prior to registration (recommended) or
- Select and register without the assistance of an advisor. By choosing this option, students accept the responsibility for meeting all prerequisites and completing the program requirements toward graduation.
The following students are required to meet with an academic advisor prior to registering:
- First time students (new and transfer)
- Students re-admitted after suspension or dismissal
- Students on Academic Probation
- Selected admissions programs (Medical Assistant, Nursing, Physical Therapy Assistant, Massage Therapy)
- Students enrolled under the Transitional or Fundamental Semester
Academic Success Resources- Academic counselors are available to assist students interested in developing a strong framework for academic success either by appointment or through instruction within the following credit course offerings. Please refer to the course description in this Catalog for additional course information.
Personal Counseling - Academic counselors are available to support students in dealing with academic and personal problems that may be interfering with their academic success. BC3 does not provide ongoing personal counseling services, and students will be referred to outside agencies if their needs extend beyond the resources of the department.
Transfer Services
Assistance is provided to students interested in transferring from BC3 to senior-level institutions. Liberal arts courses and majors leading to the A.S. and A.A. degrees are specifically designed to meet and provide the appropriate framework for students planning to go on to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Please note that the final decision to accept transfer credits rests with the institution being transferred to. It is important that students establish contact with senior institutions early in order to ensure that they are following the most appropriate course sequences at BC3.
Academic advisors are designated to assist students who intend to transfer. Students should make an appointment during their first semester with an academic advisor to: 1) identify possible senior institutions which meet their criteria; 2) outline a program of courses toward the associate degree which will transfer to that senior institution; 3) learn the procedures involved in the transfer process.
PASSHE Transfer Agreements - BC3 has twelve majors that meet the Pennsylvania Statewide Articulation Agreement. This agreement guarantees that if a student graduates in one of these majors, that all of the required courses will transfer to any (Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education) PASSHE institutions. These majors include: Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Computer Science Transfer, Communication, Criminology, English, History, Mathematics, Pre-K to 4 Education, Psychology and Social Work.
Articulation Agreements - Many local senior-level institutions have signed articulation agreements with Butler County Community College which assures students certain considerations when transferring. For an updated list of these schools and the specific programs and courses that the agreements apply to, please visit the Academic Center for Enrichment.
PaCollegeTransfer.net - PaCollegeTransfer.net facilitates exploration of colleges, universities and community colleges that belong to a Statewide Transfer System dedicated to the seamless transfer of courses within a 30-credit framework. In addition, the Statewide Transfer System has been expanded to require participating institutions to accept the transfer of Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees into parallel baccalaureate programs with full junior standing, recognizing all the competencies attained within the associate degree programs.
Students can explore information about the institutions and obtain information on course and program transfer at pacollegetransfer.net. Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges are Statewide Transfer System members as are the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s 14 universities. Other institutions that have opted to participate as full members are Carlow University, Geneva College, Lackawanna College, Lincolon University and Saint Francis University.
Bachelor’s Degree Completion
Students can now stay at BC3 Main Campus and earn a bachelor’s degree in select majors from participating colleges and universities. University partners include:
- Chatham University: R.N. to B.S.N. in Nursing and B.S. in Communications/Public Relations
- Clarion University of Pennsylvania: B.S.B.A. in Accounting
- Franklin University: B.S. in Business Administration
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania: B.S. Ed. in Early Childhood (Pre K-4) and Special Education (Pre K-8)
- LaRoche College: B.A. in Psychology
- University of Pittsburgh: B.A. in Administration of Justice
Classes are taught by University Professors. Financial aid and scholarships are available to those who qualify. As part of the program, several of the above-listed institutions are discounting tuition, and/or accepting credits beyond the associate degree. In addition to these institutions and programs, BC3 also has transfer agreements with Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institutions, local private institutions, and institutions specializing in distance education. Transfer information can be found in the University Partnership Center located in the lower level of the Student Success Center.
Tutoring Services
Students who are interested in receiving free tutoring must be enrolled in a BC3 credit course and must apply for tutoring services. Tutoring applications are available in the Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE) located in the Student Success Center on BC3 main campus or from staff at any BC3 off-campus center. An online tutoring application can also be submitted through a link on the Tutoring Page of the BC3 website at https://itservices.bc3.edu/TutoringApplication.
Tutoring ranges from group sessions to one-on-one meetings. The service is available by appointment on BC3 main campus and at all off-campus centers and online for selected online courses. Tutoring is offered for many, but not all credit courses. Although students can apply for tutoring at any time, they are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible to maximize their use of tutoring services during the semester.
Disabled Student Services
The college’s Disabilities Services Office advocates the rights of students with disabilities to equal educational opportunity and arranges services and accommodations for students with documented needs. Students with disabilities which may affect their academic progress and/or require accommodations are strongly encouraged to voluntarily register their potential needs directly with the Disabilities Services Office prior to or early in the admissions process by completing the Disabled Student Services Application found on the College’s website. Students with severe physical disabilities, vision impairments, hearing impairments, and/or other disabilities which may involve special software, special equipment, and/or consultation with outside agencies such as OVR and BBVS are especially encouraged to submit their applications for services and accommodations to the Disabilities Services Office as far in advance of their anticipated enrollment as possible so that appropriate arrangements may be made. Official, written, third-party documentation of disability will be required in almost every case, but all such information will be treated as confidential. After submitting their applications for services and accommodations, students are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment with one of the Disabilities Services Office staff to review their documented needs, to develop an accommodations and services plan, and to discuss how to make appropriate use of their accommodations. The main Disabilities Services Office is located in the Student Success Center on main campus, but satellite offices are located at BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing and BC3 @ Lindenpointe, and services and accommodations are made available at all college locations.
Career Services
Career Services, located in the Student Success Center, is designed to provide career counseling and planning, resume and cover letter review, portfolio development, job search assistance, and interviewing skills to students and alumni. Students and alumni may post their resumes and search for jobs at www.collegecentral.com/bc3.
Job Search Assistance - Employment opportunities reported to the college are posted on www.collegecentral.com/bc3. Positions for fulltime, part-time and summer employment are available. Students and alumni may utilize the Resume Service by placing their resumes on file for employers to access.
Cooperative Education - Cooperative education (co-op) is an academic experience designed to give students real-world work experience before graduation by integrating classroom study with planned, supervised work experience in which the student is a regular, paid employee. Students with a practicum or internship in their major may have the option of working in a co-op as an alternative.
The co-op experience:
- provides real life experience
- earns academic credit
- increases marketability upon graduation
- provides financial support
- applies classroom theory in a practical setting
To be eligible for a co-op assignment, students must have a minimum of 12 credits completed with a 3.0 GPA in their major and a total of 20 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.75 overall. Students must be approved by the faculty and co-op coordinator, complete the required paperwork, attend co-op seminars, and identify and describe co-op regulations.
Students interested in applying for a co-op position should obtain an application from Student Employment Specialist whose office is located in the Student Success Center.
GENL 111 - Job Readiness - This course helps students identify, communicate and market their qualifications to obtain employment. Students learn strategies for finding employment which include how to write resumes and cover letters, develop job leads, and prepare for job interviews.
GENL 115 - Career Planning - This course assists students in choosing a college major and in developing skills necessary for self-assessment, long-range planning and development, and setting realistic career goals.
KEYS Program
KEYS (Keystone Education Yields Success), a program offered in collaboration with the PA Department of Human Services, is designed to assist TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and SNAP (Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program) food stamp clients who are enrolled in a community college. KEYS provides financial and academic support services to eligible BC3 students, as well as, acts as a liaison to the county assistance offices and other community service agencies.
For information about program services and eligibility requirements, stop into the KEYS office located in the Student Success Center or call the KEYS office at 724-287-8711, ext. 8458. (NOTE: Availability of services is contingent upon continued state grant funding.)
Carl D. Perkins Services
The purpose of the Carl D. Perkins project is to assist students who elect to enroll in career and technical education programs by helping them attain academic, career, and technical skill proficiency; complete their certificate, diploma or A.A.S. degree program, and become employed. Attention is also given to students who are enrolled in nontraditional programs for their gender. (Note: Availability of the services provided by the Carl D. Perkins program is contingent upon continued governmental funding.)
Technology Independent Study Lab (TISL)
The TISL open computer lab has staff to assist students in a variety of technical areas including the Internet, e-mail, CAD software, disk management, and other computer-related issues. The TISL is located in the Science and Technology Building, on the third floor, Room T316. Hours vary by semester.
Student Activities
Government - The Executive Council for Students and the Office of Student Life work together to support clubs and organizations at BC3. These offices work with groups on the formation of new clubs, the recruitment of members, student activity fund allocations, fundraising, program planning and publicity, community service, and involvement in campus projects. They also coordinate events on campus including performances, dances, plays, picnics and much more. Participating students develop leadership qualities and learn skills in planning, organizing, and implementing events.
Student Newspaper - The Cube is a regularly published newspaper by and for the students of BC3. The Cube provides information about the campus as well as student opinions concerning campus life. This lively forum of exchange is a great learning experience for the student staff.
Academic Honors - Those who achieve academic excellence on campus are recognized in four ways. First, there are the Dean’s List (3.5 GPA) and President’s List (3.75 GPA) recognitions. Second, there is an invitation for membership in the honor society, Phi Theta Kappa, for those students who qualify. Third, those with a combination of good grades and involvement with activities will be nominated for inclusion in Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges. Fourth, graduates are recognized for their total grade point average (GPA) in the Commencement Program. Cum Laude (3.25 GPA), Magna Cum Laude (3.5 GPA), and Summa Cum Laude (3.75 GPA).
Clubs and Organizations - There are 28 clubs and organizations active on campus. There is something for everyone and if not, new clubs may be formed with the help of the Executive Council for Students.
Current clubs include acting, writing, student wellness, various academic program organizations and much more. Students have the opportunity to expand their resumes, gain valuable leadership experience, have fun, and meet many good friends through these activities.
Events & Entertainment
The Office of Student Life presents a variety of social, cultural, and learning activities throughout the academic year. With goals of creating community and engagement, events focus on leadership, diversity, student success, volunteerism, and fun. Among the many popular events are such favorites as the Ice Cream Social, Chillebration, Island Bash, the BC3 Leadership Series, and Intramurals.
Intercollegiate & Intramural Athletics
Butler County Community College provides competitive athletic programs for both the intercollegiate and the intramural student. Both programs have significant diversity and offer opportunity for both men and women separately as well as co-educationally.
The intercollegiate program offers competition in basketball and baseball for men and basketball, softball and volleyball for women. Golf is open to both men and women. Butler County Community College belongs to the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference. Student athletes are afforded the opportunity to earn recognition at the conference, state, and national level.
The intramural program is offered to the student who enjoys recreational activity at a competitive level. The program design and content varies with the needs and interests of the current student body. Typically, competition is offered in basketball, volleyball, kickball, ultimate frisbee and table tennis.
Veterans Affairs
Butler County Community College has established a Veterans Affairs Office to provide a wide variety of services and information to veterans and their dependents. The Veterans Affairs Office is run out of the Office of Financial Aid and is located in the Student Success Center. The Financial Aid staff is available to assist eligible persons in applying for veterans’ educational benefits. Veterans should notify the Associate Director of Financial Aid at the time they apply for admission to ensure timely receipt of benefits. The staff is prepared to help veterans in the areas of financial aid, academic advisement, tutoring, and counseling.
Academic Progress for Veterans Receiving Educational Benefits
Veterans will be held to the standards regarding academic standing that is listed below. Preparatory and/or developmental coursework will be used to determine academic standing. However, these courses are NOT included in the GPA displayed on the official transcript or grade mailer.
Academic Alert
Veterans will be placed on Academic Alert if their cumulative GPAs fall below 2.0 (provided their semester GPAs do not fall below 1.5). Veterans on Academic Alert will receive a letter with a listing of various campus resources for improving their academic performance. In addition, it is recommended that these Veterans work with their academic advisors to improve their progress toward graduation.
Academic Probation
Veterans will be placed on academic probation for one semester if their cumulative GPAs fall below 2.0 and their semester GPAs below 1.5 (provided the cumulative GPA does not fall below the requirement for enrollment). Veterans on academic probation must obtain a counselor’s signature in order to register and will be limited to a maximum of 13 credits. Any student registered for the upcoming semester that is placed on academic probation for the current semester, must attend a mandatory group advising session. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of the student’s schedule.
Academic Suspension
Veterans will be placed on academic suspension for a semester if their semester GPAs are below 2.0 and their cumulative GPAs are in one of the following categories:
|
Credits Attempted
|
GPA
|
| 12-23.5 |
Less than 1.0 |
| 24-35.5 |
Less than 1.5 |
| 36+ |
1.5-1.79 |
Academic suspension will prevent the Veteran from registering at the College until the end of the next fall or spring semester. Veterans who are academically suspended may appeal in writing to the Director of Records and Registration and the Financial Aid Appeals Committee to continue their studies and receive their education benefits. All appeals are subject to review by the Committee on Readmission. Veterans are eligible for priority registration. For more information, see Admissions & Tuition .
Children’s Creative Learning Center (CCLC)
The CCLC, a Keystone STAR 4 facility, provides a safe and healthy environment for the children of BC3 students, faculty, staff and community. The CCLC is licensed as a preschool by the PA Department of Education and is licensed by the PA Department of Human Services for child care. The Center has a developmentally appropriate curriculum and serves as a lab school for various academic programs including Early Childhood Education at BC3. The CCLC’s outdoor space has been certified as a Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom, a national certification from the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Education Research Foundation. The CCLC accepts children 3 years (toilet trained) to six years of age. The CCLC staff consists of the Director, Assistant director, teachers, assistant group supervisors and work study students. Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere fosters creative learning experiences for the children.
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act
Annually Butler County Community College informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, also known as the Buckley Amendment. This Act, with which the College intends to comply fully, was designated to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their educational records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students also have the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with Act.
BC3 policy explains in detail the procedures to be used by the institution for compliance with the provisions of the Act. Copies of the Policy can be found in the Office of Records and Registration. Questions concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be referred to the Office of Records and Registration.
Students should be aware that the College releases Public information requested by interested persons or agencies without written permission of the student unless the currently enrolled student submits a written request to the Office of Records and Registration that this information should not be released. Public information which may be disclosed includes a student’s name, address, major field of study, participation in activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, previous educational institutions attended by the student, photographs, and videos. At Butler County Community College, Public information does not include Social Security Number, birth date, phone number, email address, or salaries.
Currently enrolled students have the right to withhold disclosure of all (not partial) categories of public information. To withhold disclosure, written notification must be received in the Office of Records and Registration prior to mid-semester of each semester/summer session. Students are cautioned that withholding information can have adverse consequences when we are unable to verify attendance or degrees to agencies, insurance companies, or prospective employers. Former students and alumni are not covered under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Therefore the College is not obligated to honor requests for non-disclosure of Public information from former students.
Tobacco Free Policy
Butler County Community College is dedicated to providing a healthy, comfortable and productive environment for all employees, students and visitors. Therefore, smoking and the use of all tobacco and tobacco-related products, including, electronic cigarettes, are prohibited on all campuses and sites owned and/or leased by Butler County Community College and College vehicles effective July 1, 2009. This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students and visitors of Butler County Community College. Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action.
Video Monitoring Policy
Butler County Community College fosters enhancing the quality of life of the College Community by providing a safe and secure learning and working environment for all students, employees, and visitors, as well as safeguarding its facilities and assets, through the integration of video monitoring and recording equipment and systems. Video monitoring and recording equipment and systems will be used in a professional, ethical, confidential, and legal manner on all campuses, sites owned and/or leased by Butler County Community College at any time, including but not limited to facilities, grounds, and parking lots, with specific limitations that would not violate the reasonable expectation of privacy as defined by law.
Signage may be posted in the appropriate monitored areas to inform individuals that “THESE PREMISES MAY BE UNDER VIDEO MONITORING.” In the event the College experiences criminal activity, either to property and/or persons, the College may use video monitoring and recording equipment and systems for apprehending violators and/or covert video monitoring and recording purposes within the parameters outlined in this policy.
Information obtained through the video monitoring and recording equipment and systems may be utilized for investigative, safety and security purposes, law enforcement, compliance with College policy and procedures, and compliance with the Student Code of Conduct and will only be released when authorized by the College President, in conjunction with the Executive Director of Campus Police and Security, Executive Director of Human Resources/Equal Opportunity Compliance Officer, and/or Dean of Student Development, according to the guidelines established in this policy and in compliance with applicable laws. College personnel are prohibited from disseminating or using any information obtained through the video monitoring and recording equipment and systems except for law enforcement and/or official College purposes. Only authorized personnel shall have access to the video monitoring and recording equipment and systems. 2
This policy is consistent with the College’s commitment to equal opportunity, integrity, diversity, excellence, human dignity, mutual respect, and other related College policies such as Sexual Harassment, Anti-Harassment, and Nondiscrimination. The College prohibits video monitoring and recording based on classifications and characteristics including, but not limited to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, handicap or disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, family status, or other classification protected by applicable law.
Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action.
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